An explosion at a small biotechnology company in northern China has claimed the lives of eight people according to China’s state media. The incident occurred early Saturday morning in Shuoyang city located in Shanxi province.
State run Xinhua News Agency reported that the blast took place at a workshop operated by Jiapeng Biotechnology. Following the incident local authorities detained the company’s legal representative and formed a special accident investigation team to determine the cause of the explosion.
Witnesses reported seeing thick dark yellow smoke rising from the site which is situated in a mountain hollow. The workshop was reportedly located in a remote mountainous area, more than 40 kilometres from the centre of Shanyin town according to the South China Morning Post.
Public records show that Jiapeng Biotechnology was established recently on June 26 and its registered address is near a village built on land that was previously used for mining activities.The company does not maintain an official website, and attempts by Reuters to contact the firm were unsuccessful.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of the explosion. Investigations are ongoing as officials assess safety compliance and potential environmental risks linked to the blast.
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